State Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) announced Monday he will retire at the end of his current term and not seek reelection this fall, leaving open a swing district Democrats had already targeted as one of their best pickup opportunities in the state.
Wanggaard, 73, has served in the state Senate since 2010, making him the longest-serving Republican state senator. He is the only Republican ever elected to four terms in the 21st District. During his tenure, he authored three constitutional amendments for victims’ rights, bail reform, and voter ID into the Wisconsin constitution, along with hundreds of other laws.
“I have seen the extreme ideas Democrats have been trying to normalize the last few weeks locally and statewide throughout the session,” Wanggaard said in a statement. “In my heart, I desperately want to run again. I would love to continue to serve as a common-sense conservative voice in the Legislature. Public service is in my blood.”
Wanggaard said his decision ultimately came down to his health and the health of his family.
“My head is telling me it’s time to retire,” he said. “I’ll be 78 years old at the end of the next term. My health, and the health of my family will not allow me to put my all into this campaign, or serving the 21st District.”
An open seat Democrats are watching
Wanggaard’s exit makes him one of three Senate Republicans not seeking another term this fall, joining Sen. Rob Hutton of Brookfield and Sen. Steve Nass of Whitewater, according to WisPolitics.
The 21st District was significantly redrawn in 2024, shifting it from a safely Republican seat to a competitive one. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris carried the district in 2024, making it one of four state Senate seats considered up for grabs this fall.
Trevor Jung, a Democrat who launched his campaign in September 2025, is already running. Jung has raised nearly $133,000 since entering the race, with more than 700 individual donations averaging roughly $1,260 per day.
In a statement following Wanggaard’s announcement, Jung thanked the senator for his service before pivoting to his campaign priorities.
“This open seat comes at a pivotal moment,” Jung said. “I’m focused on the issues that matter most: making childcare and housing more affordable, supporting our public schools, and strengthening Wisconsin’s economy. This is an opportunity to bring new leadership that listens and delivers for the people of the 21st District.”
A Republican candidate has not yet announced a bid for the open seat.
